Murchison Falls Safari

Murchison Falls Safari

Murchison falls National Park is Uganda’s largest conservation area that is located far north of the Albertine Rift Valley in the immense, palm-dotted plains of the Bunyoro escarpment. Murchison falls national park is Uganda’s oldest conservation area which was first established as a game reserve in 1926.  The Victoria Nile, which plunges 45m over the Albertine Rift valley wall split Murchison falls national Park to create the mighty and impressive Murchison falls.

Murchison falls National park boarders Buliisa, Kiryandongo and Nwoya districts of Uganda. The nearest town to the park is Masindi town with is 72km away from the park. The Kibanda area of Murchison falls national park is approximately 283 km (5-6 hours’ drive) northwest from Kampala. Named after the eye-catching waterfall the mighty River Nile explodes through a narrow 7-meter gorge, creating the thunderous Murchison Falls  the most powerful waterfall in the world. This must go for Uganda safaris is of no doubt one of the best safari destinations in Uganda. Uganda’s largest and most dramatic national park

 It was first pointed out by Winston Churchill as a grand Kew Gardens combined with wildlife in a confined area in 1907. Murchison falls national park features Kabarega falls-also referred as Murchison falls, 76 species of mammals including Leopards, lions, elephants, giraffes, buffaloes, hippos among others and 451 species of birds such as the famous and rare shoebill, the giant kingfisher, night jar, the grey crowned crane, the goliath heron not forgetting the aquatic life in the Victoria Nile which separates the western part from the eastern part of the park for a distance of a bout 115km.

Murchison falls National Park is about 3893 km² wide and it was established after the British administration established the Uganda National Park Act in 1952. It’s Uganda’s oldest and largest national park, covering over 3,800 square kilometers and offering unforgettable wildlife encounters, spectacular landscapes, and rich cultural experiences.

The Park is teeming with wildlife! A game drive through the open savannahs reveals elephants, lions, giraffes, buffaloes, leopards, antelopes, and warthogs. It’s also home to over 76 mammal species and 450+ bird species, including the rare shoebill stork.

Wildlife viewing is best done in the early morning or late afternoon, with rangers or guides leading the way through the park’s northern sector.

The Nile & Boat Safaris is on the the Victoria Nile that  cuts through the park, providing one of the most scenic and adventurous experiences  a boat launch to the bottom of Murchison Falls. Along the riverbanks, you’ll spot hippos, crocodiles, elephants, waterbucks, and countless birds.

Alternatively, take a cruise downstream to the Nile Delta, a peaceful and bird-rich area near Lake Albert.

After a boat cruise, adventurous travelers can hike up to the top of the falls for a closer look. The view from above is breathtaking watching the Nile get squeezed through a rocky gap before crashing 43 meters below in a roaring cascade. Other activities include Chimpanzee Tracking in Budongo Forest

The southern part of the park includes Budongo Forest, home to a large population of chimpanzees. Guided treks offer a chance to see these intelligent primates in their natural environment, along with monkeys, birds, and butterflies.

Cultural Encounters tourists can visit local communities like the Boomu Women’s Group or Mubako village to enjoy traditional dances, local crafts, storytelling, and community tourism initiatives that empower local families.  Accommodation Options range from Budget: Red Chilli Rest Camp, Boomu Women’s Lodge    Mid-range: Pakuba Safari Lodge, Murchison River Lodge

Luxury: Chobe Safari Lodge, Nile Safari Lodge

All offer comfortable stays with access to game drives and river activities.

Best Time to Visit is the dry Seasons: December–February & June–September — best for wildlife viewing.      Wet Seasons: March–May & October–November — fewer tourists, lush scenery, and better birdwatching.

3 Days Murchison Falls Wildlife Safari Experience

• 3 Days Murchison Falls Wildlife Safari Experience

Explore the largest and oldest national park in Uganda, where the legendary River Nile thunders through a narrow gorge to form the spectacular Murchison Falls. From thrilling game drives across sunlit savannahs to relaxing boat cruises on the Nile, this safari promises an immersive experience in the African wild.

Whether you’re watching elephants roam free, cruising past pods of hippos, or standing in awe at the top of the world’s most powerful waterfall — every moment in Murchison Falls is a memory in the making.

This trip starts from Entebbe or Kampala, our first stopover is at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary- the only place in Uganda where you can see rhinos in the wilderness, the Trek takes between 1.5 to 2.5 hours depending on far the rhinos have moved, you will have lunch at the sanctuary before heading to Murchison falls National Park, one of the most interesting national parks that Uganda has to offer. The major activities done in the park include the game drives and the cruise to the bottom of the falls.

The 3-hour boat cruise to the bottom of the falls offers another opportunity to see these animals and they come to water especially on the sunny day, animals sighted on this cruise include Crocodiles, Hippos, Buffalos and so many bird species like the kingfishers, Hornbills, bee-eaters, Egyptian geese, and pelicans.

You visit to Murchison Falls National Park will crown with a visit to the top of the falls, Murchison falls are the world most powerful falls, where the wide river Nile waters squeezes in 8meter wide gorge, this is a scene you should never miss.

The Park can also be accessed by air. should you prefer to fly instead of driving. we are happy to assist you arrange for the flights.

Safari Highlights:

• Morning and evening Game drives in 4×4 Vehicles with open roof
• Visit to the Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary for Rhino Tracking
• Boat cruise to the Bottom of the falls
• Optional Hike to the top of the falls
• Optional Chimpanzee trekking in Budongo Forest
• Optional Delta cruise to search for the rare Shoebill Stork

Detailed Itinerary:

Day 1: Entebbe to Murchison Falls National Park (Approx. 5-6hrs drive)

After breakfast at the hotel, your driver guide will pick you for a transfer to Murchison Falls National Park. This journey will take you through the famous Luweero Triangle and a stopover at the Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary. Upon arrival at the sanctuary, enjoy a 1-2hrs walk as you track the Rhinos. This is the only place where one is able to see these in the wild. Have Lunch and later proceed with your journey to Murchison falls National Park via Masindi town. You will have another stop over the Top of the falls for a clear and magnificent views of the water forcing its self through a 7-meter gorge and drops to over 43 meters below with a thunderous roar hence forming a beautiful rainbow. Reach at your lodge in the evening for dinner and overnight stay. (Lunch and Dinner)

Accommodation Options range from Pakuba Safari Lodge (BUDGET), Pakuba Safari Lodge/Twiga Safari Lodge (MIDRANGE) and Nile Safari Lodge/Paraa Safari Lodge (UPMARKET)

Day 2: Game drive and Launch cruise to the bottom of the falls

Rise very early in the morning and set out for the game drive before sunrise. Murchison falls being Uganda’s largest park, you will enjoy a variety of wildlife it has to offer including Lions, Leopards, Buffalos, Elephants, large numbers of Giraffes, Warthogs, Antelopes, Waterbucks and Bushbucks as well as the so many different bird species. After like 3-4hrs of the game drive, return to the Lodge for a late breakfast and relaxation. After Lunch, set out for the afternoon launch cruise to the bottom of the falls along the Victoria Nile. This 3hrs boat cruise will enable you to have a glance at a number of water loving animals such as Hippos, Crocodiles, Buffalos and so many bird species like the kingfishers, Cormorants, Hornbills, Goliath herons, Egyptian geese, pelicans and bee-eaters. After the cruise, return to your Lodge for dinner and overnight stay. Full Board

Accommodation Options:

• Pakuba Safari Lodge (BUDGET)
• Pakuba Safari Lodge/Twiga Safari Lodge (MIDRANGE)
• Nile Safari Lodge/Paraa Safari Lodge (UPMARKET)

Day 3: Game drive and transfer back to Entebbe

Early morning breakfast and set out for the last game drive as you exit the park for your journey back to Kampala. Drop off at your Hotel in Kampala or at the Airport for your onward flight back home. (Breakfast and Lunch)

END OF 3 DAYS MURCHISON FALLS SAFARI EXPERIENCE